A Clocktower in Perspective
Bib. Nat. ms. fr. 19093, fol. 12
This image is included as it is the only one in Villard's manuscript which attempts to show an entire structure in three-dimensional perspective. (The dragon ornament is unrelated and just another example of Villard's use of available white space.) The inscription reads:
"This is a clock tower. Whoever wishes to build a clock tower should study this one that I once saw. The first story is square, with four small gables. The second story has eight panels and a roof, and above that four smaller gables with a broad space between each. The topmost story is square, with four gables and an eight-sided roof. Here is a picture of it."
While a reasonably accurate rendition of a tower, one must think Branner was thinking of this image when he said "Villard undoubtedly was a skilled artist save when he attempted architectural [or mechanical] renderings." (Barnes 1982: xxxix)
back to portfolio
|
|
